Form N-400, Part 1

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

So, it is time for us to start the naturalization process. I have been LPR since 2015 and thus qualify for both A & B conditions of eligibility (a. have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.A. for at least 5 years, regardless of marital status, and b. have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.A. for at least 3 years and are the spouse of a U.S. citizen for the last three years).

Which box is it best for me to tick?

I'm asking because (b) requires much more proof paperwork. 

Any guidance is much appreciated

[Mike E 11,739]

24 minutes ago, Kev-N-Ann said:

Which box is it best for me to tick?

If you have 5 years of IRS tax return transcripts on hand, file on the basis of being an LPR for 5 years.

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

7 minutes ago, Mike E said:

If you have 5 years of IRS tax return transcripts on hand, file on the basis of being an LPR for 5 years.

Thank you for your answer!

I do have tax returns, but I was a dependent (of my U.S. spouse).

So, would it be quicker and easier to be processed as a 5 years LPR? 

[Lil bear 4,181]

6 minutes ago, Kev-N-Ann said:

Thank you for your answer!

I do have tax returns, but I was a dependent (of my U.S. spouse).

So, would it be quicker and easier to be processed as a 5 years LPR? 

Quicker no.. less documentation required .. yes 

[Mike E 11,739]

12 minutes ago, Kev-N-Ann said:

 

I do have tax returns,

Do you have tax return transcripts?

Quote

but I was a dependent (of my U.S. spouse).

My spouses have never been listrd as my dependents or vice versa. I an unaware that a spouse can be listed as a dependent.

 

Did you file jointly with your U.S. spouse?

Quote

 

So, would it be quicker and easier to be processed as a 5 years LPR? 

Depends on the answers to my questions. Depending on answers you might not be ready to file N-400.

Edited June 2, 2023 by Mike E

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

11 minutes ago, Kev-N-Ann said:

I do have tax returns, but I was a dependent (of my U.S. spouse)

Spouses are not listed as dependents.

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

23 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Spouses are not listed as dependents.

Yes, please, excuse my using the wrong term.

We are filling jointly. 

I have my GC since 2015, have left the country for no more than 6 months in total and we also have a minor child together, who was born after we got married on a K1 visa in 2014. 

I meet the eligibility requirements. 

The question was if there's really any other difference in which box I tick in part one of the form, other than the amount of paperwork that has to go with it 😊

 

I'm sorry for the confusion!

[Mike E 11,739]

Just now, Kev-N-Ann said:

The question was if there's really any other difference in which box I tick in part one of the form

The difference is that you can log onto your irs.gov account and download 3-4 years of IRS tax return transcripts. But you cannot download 5 years. So if you do not have 5 years of tax return transcripts, your 5 year

based N-400 can be delayed.

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

2 minutes ago, Mike E said:

The difference is that you can log onto your irs.gov account and download 3-4 years of IRS tax return transcripts. But you cannot download 5 years. So if you do not have 5 years of tax return transcripts, your 5 year

based N-400 can be delayed.

Thanks!

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

1 hour ago, Kev-N-Ann said:

The question was if there's really any other difference in which box I tick in part one of the form, other than the amount of paperwork that has to go with it 😊

Filing under the 5 year rule is a piece of cake..... I speak from experience.  Good Luck.

[Dashinka 24,481]

2 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Filing under the 5 year rule is a piece of cake..... I speak from experience.  Good Luck.

Filing based on the 3 year rule was also a piece of cake for my wife.

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

Thank you all!

[mniceguy16 186]

3 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Filing under the 5 year rule is a piece of cake..... I speak from experience.  Good Luck.

Depending on circumstances, mine was straight forward under the 3 year rule. Fun part is that this process went so fast and today makes it 6 months that I’ve been naturalized and it amazes Me because sometimes I forget that I am a citizen 😂

[Scandi 4,166]

The 3 year rule is for those who are eligible and don't want to wait for 5 years. You have already waited 5+ years, so you will automatically be filing under the 5 year rule. 

[Chancy 6,241]

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